To Spank or not to spank? Is it even a question anymore? There is overwhelming evidence of both the short term and long term negative effects of spanking children. The Latin root of discipline means "to teach," while the Latin root of punishment means "to inflict pain." Are we teaching our children by hurting them? The strongest proven, negative associations with spanking are: * Negative parent-child relationship * Child mental health problems * Increased risk of a chi